Int J Gynaecol Obstet. 2021 Dec 23. doi: 10.1002/ijgo.14082. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION: Very low birthweight (VLBW) is a multifactorial etiology public health problem that includes poverty and violence aspects. The study aimed to determine the association between armed conflict and VLBW.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Case-control population study matched by year of delivery conducted in Cauca, Colombia, between 2010 and 2016. Cases of VLBW, with weights between 500-1,499 g and controls weighing between 2,500-3,999 g. Cases and controls were identified through the vital statistics registry, and exposure was determined using a multidimensional index designed by the Colombian State. Multiple gestations were excluded. Conditional logistic regression for matched data was used, adjusting for confounding variables.
RESULTS: Overall, 7,068 matched participants (1,767 cases and 5,301 controls) were included. Cases and controls had similar baseline characteristics. Participants were predominantly women in the second and third decades of life, 46% were exposed to armed conflict, and 25% were of African-Colombian or indigenous ethnicity. Maternal exposure to armed conflict significantly increased the odds of VLBW among women with rural birth (aOR 3.86; 95%CI 2.74-5.45) and inadequate prenatal care (aOR 10.38; 95%CI 8.20-13.12).
CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to armed conflict increases the odds of VLBW neonates. This factor needs to be considered in prenatal care.
PMID:34951010 | DOI:10.1002/ijgo.14082
